Component
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
47,884 NHTSA complaints about power train:automatic transmission issues across 54 makes and 1102 models.
The power train:automatic transmission is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 47,884 filings from 54 manufacturers and 1102 distinct vehicle models, a footprint large enough that defect engineers can isolate part-family patterns across different platforms that share the same supplier or the same federal motor vehicle safety standard.
Among filings citing this component, owners have reported 1,661 crashes, 431 fires, 1,148 injuries, and 183 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the FORD EXPLORER with 2,061 filings, followed by HONDA ACCORD and MAZDA 626. These severity counters are what separates a nuisance complaint trend from a pattern NHTSA is likely to escalate into a Preliminary Evaluation.
Component-level analysis is how the Office of Defects Investigation spots cross-manufacturer supplier issues — the same airbag inflator, the same takata-style ignition switch, the same brake hose material — before they become industry-wide recalls. When you see a single component accumulating large complaint volume across several unrelated nameplates, that is usually a signature of a shared supplier or a shared federal standard being stressed by real-world conditions. Use the affected-vehicles table below to see whether the pattern is concentrated on a handful of models or distributed evenly, and cross-reference each model's full recall and investigation history before drawing conclusions about any one nameplate.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FORD EXPLORER | 2,061 |
| 2 | HONDA ACCORD | 1,882 |
| 3 | MAZDA 626 | 1,793 |
| 4 | FORD TAURUS | 1,667 |
| 5 | FORD WINDSTAR | 1,652 |
| 6 | HONDA ODYSSEY | 1,484 |
| 7 | NISSAN MAXIMA | 1,125 |
| 8 | DODGE CARAVAN | 1,029 |
| 9 | FORD FREESTAR | 917 |
| 10 | JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE | 761 |
| 11 | DODGE GRAND CARAVAN | 708 |
| 12 | HONDA CIVIC | 680 |
| 13 | ACURA TL | 586 |
| 14 | TOYOTA CAMRY | 573 |
| 15 | PLYMOUTH VOYAGER | 568 |
| 16 | TOYOTA RAV4 | 559 |
| 17 | FORD F-150 | 536 |
| 18 | DODGE INTREPID | 522 |
| 19 | MERCURY SABLE | 497 |
| 20 | CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY | 449 |
| 21 | DODGE DAKOTA | 430 |
| 22 | VOLKSWAGEN JETTA | 408 |
| 23 | FORD ESCAPE | 403 |
| 24 | CHEVROLET BLAZER | 366 |
| 25 | DODGE RAM 1500 | 346 |
| 26 | PLYMOUTH GRAND VOYAGER | 345 |
| 27 | FORD FREESTYLE | 336 |
| 28 | LEXUS RX300 | 332 |
| 29 | DODGE RAM | 330 |
| 30 | FORD FOCUS | 328 |
Recent Complaints
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2019 RAM 1500. The contact stated that when his spouse started the vehicle during cold weather conditions, the engine was turned on, revved high, and the gear shift from park (P) t
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the engine was idling and with the gear shifter in the park position, the contact reached into the vehicle from the front driver's do
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle remained stuck in 3rd and in 4th gears upon depressing the accelerator pedal. Add
The contact's friend owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. The contact stated that while the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to acce
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted from 6th gear into a lower gear, and the check engine and transm
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver noticed unusual sounds. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud sound coming from the front of the vehicle. There was no warning light illumi
See attached document for complaint.
See attached document for complaint.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and vibrate and decelerate. The vehicle was taken to a nearby mechanic who dia
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift properly. Additionally, the contact stated that while the transmissi
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and jolted. The
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle abruptly stopped in the middle of the road. The contact was able to continue driving.
The contact owns a 1991 N/A Ford F-150. The contact stated that after parking, turning the vehicle off, and exiting, the vehicle suddenly began to roll backwards. The contact was able to get back into
The contact owns a 1995 N/A GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after parking, turning the vehicle off, and exiting, the vehicle suddenly rolled forward, down a slight incline, and crashed into a
The subject vehicle, according to the third party administrator for the vehicle's insurance co. had a transmission malfunction. The vehicle is owned by a subcontractor for the purpose of delivery for
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Forte GT. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH on an off-ramp and making a right turn, the lane assist feature had malfunctioned, causing the vehicle
Related Vehicle Components
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Data Sources
Vehicle complaint data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database. Includes consumer-reported safety issues filed with NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Severity counts cross-reference NHTSA FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) for fatal incidents where a corresponding FARS record exists.
Component categories are standardized by NHTSA. Crash-test ratings where shown are drawn from the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Complaint counts, crash reports, fire reports, and fatality data reflect consumer-submitted reports and may not represent all incidents.
Disclaimer: This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for vehicle purchase decisions. NHTSA complaint data is self-reported by consumers and has not been verified or investigated. A high complaint count does not necessarily indicate a defect. Always consult a qualified mechanic and check official NHTSA recall notices before making safety-related decisions.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.